Thursday, January 21, 2021

I try to look for things to be grateful for in everyday life.  This includes being grateful when I avoid a negative experience, like when I drop a glass, and it doesn't break.  I feel this greatly contributes to having a good mood.


https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-01/uoe-og012121.php

News Release 21-Jan-2021
'Attitude of gratitude' keeps older people in Japan feeling hopeful as they age

University of Exeter

Older people in Japan have an "attitude of gratitude" which keeps them feeling hopeful despite the challenges of aging, a new study says.

Feeling thankful and grateful for the care and support they have had during their life helps pensioners in the country to be more optimistic, even when they experienced difficulties and were anxious about getting older, an expert found.


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"Gratitude in Japan can be seen to a large extent as a recognition of how much one relies on others as one moves through life. Gratitude highlights feelings of interdependence in the social world."

Many people said they wouldn't be the person they were without others who played a significant part in their life. A phrase they liked to use was arigatai, "I am grateful," and sometimes kansha, "gratitude". This gratitude might exist for having been able to lead a full life, for having had a good husband who supported the family, for having understanding in-laws, or simply for an opportunity to work.

Dr Kaved�ija said: "While people in Japan might hesitate to say they are happy, gratitude is mentioned frequently. Through appreciation, dependence on others is not seen as simply a burden or a potential source of embarrassment, but also as moving and deeply meaningful. Meaningful relationships and encounters with others comprise a valuable foundation for what Japanese people call ikigai, or that which makes life worth living." 


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